BIOLOGICAL MONITORING AT CAPE LISBURNE, ALASKA IN 2017

Transcription

1 AMNWR 2017/15 BIOLOGICAL MONITORING AT CAPE LISBURNE, ALASKA IN 2017 Donald E. Dragoo, Gregory Thomson, and Marc D. Romano Key Words: Alaska, black-legged kittiwake, breeding chronology, Cape Lisburne, Chukchi Sea, COASST, common murre, marine mammals, plants, populations, productivity, quarry, Rissa tridactyla, seabirds, sea surface temperature, thick-billed murre, Uria aalge, Uria lomvia, wildlife U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge 95 Sterling Hwy, Suite 1 Homer, Alaska, USA October 2017 Cite as: Dragoo, D. E., G. Thomson, and M. D. Romano Biological monitoring at Cape Lisburne, Alaska in U. S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. Report AMNWR 2017/15. Homer, Alaska.

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page INTRODUCTION... 1 STUDY AREA... 1 METHODS... 2 INTERESTING OBSERVATIONS... 2 QUARRY OPERATIONS... 3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS... 3 REFERENCES... 4 MAPS... 6 FIGURES AND TABLES... 8 Common and thick-billed murres... 9 Populations... 9 Black-legged kittiwake Reproductive performance Populations Miscellaneous COASST surveys Annotated list Plants Sea surface temperature i

3 INTRODUCTION The Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge (AMNWR) conducts annual ecological monitoring at eight sites throughout Alaska. The objective of this long-term monitoring program is to collect baseline status and trend information for a suite of seabird species representing piscivorous and planktivorous trophic guilds, including key species that serve as indicators of ecosystem health. Members of these guilds include surface feeders and divers feeding in both nearshore and offshore waters. By relating data to environmental conditions and information from other sites, ecosystem processes may be better understood. Data also provide a basis for directing management and research actions, and in assessing effects of management. Studies of the Cape Lisburne colony were first conducted under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Outer Continental Shelf Environmental Assessment Program (NOAA-OCSEAP) during (Springer and Roseneau 1978; Springer et al. 1979, 1984; Murphy et al. 1980; Roseneau et al. 1985; Springer et al. 1985a, 1985b, 1985c, 1985d). Subsequent to these research projects, AMNWR funded smaller scale studies at Cape Lisburne in under its seabird monitoring program (Byrd 1986). During , AMNWR and the Minerals Management Service (MMS) supported additional work at the colony (Springer and Roseneau 1989; Roseneau et al. 1992; Denlinger et al. 1994), and the U. S. Geological Survey Biological Resources Division (USGS-BRD) and the MMS funded full-season studies there in (e.g., see Roseneau et al. 2000). All of the visits made to Cape Lisburne after 1998 ( ) were part of the AMNWR s seabird monitoring program. All seabird monitoring plots are located within refuge boundaries. The primary objectives of the 2017 monitoring work were to collect data on population numbers and/or productivity on three indicator species representing two major feeding guilds: 1) diving piscivores (common and thick-billed murres [Uria aalge and U. lomvia, respectively]), and 2) surface-feeding piscivores (black-legged kittiwakes [Rissa tridactyla]). Other objectives included collecting data on nesting chronology for one or more of the above species, as well as information on other species of wildlife and plants. Sea surface temperature data also were collected. Results of the 2017 monitoring study are reported here in the figures and tables, and archived at AMNWR headquarters in Homer, Alaska. Data summaries also will be included in the annual Alaska seabird monitoring summary report (e.g., see Dragoo et al. 2017). Because data occasionally are re-analyzed, some values listed in this report may differ from those reported in previous or subsequent years. Data presented here include the most up-to-date values available at the time of this report and supersede previous reports (e.g., Roseneau et al. 2000; Dragoo et al. 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, Dragoo and Balland 2014, Dragoo and Ebbert 2016). STUDY AREA The Cape Lisburne seabird colony is located in the Ann Stevens-Cape Lisburne Subunit, Chukchi Sea Unit of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge at about 68º 52 N, 166º 05 W; 62 km northeast of Point Hope, Alaska (Figure 1). Local physical and climatic conditions have been described in previous reports (e.g., see Springer et al. 1979, 1985b; Denlinger et al. 1994; Roseneau et al. 1992, 2000). Nesting habitat consists of about 7 km of precipitous, nearly continuous m-high sedimentary limestone and shale sea-cliffs that begin about 1 km south of Kay Creek and end approximately 1 km west of the Cape Lisburne U. S. Air Force Long Range Radar Site (LRRS) runway (Figure 2). The LRRS 1

4 was established in 1952 and is still active today. Land Plots (LP) 1-8 and A/B are located on First Beach (see Roseneau et al. 2000). Currently, the seabird colony is estimated to number about 400, ,000 murres (comprising about 25-30% common murres and 70-75% thick-billed murres), 20,000-30,000 black-legged kittiwakes, and a total of a few thousand pelagic cormorants (Phalacrocorax pelagicus), glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus), black guillemots (Cepphus grylle), parakeet auklets (Aethia psittacula), and horned and tufted puffins (Fratercula corniculata and F. cirrhata, respectively; see Roseneau 2010). Subsistence hunters from Point Hope traditionally gather murre eggs at several places in the western and northern sectors of the colony during late June-early y (e.g., D. G. Roseneau, A. M. Springer and A. L. Sowls, unpubl. data). METHODS Personnel: The 2017 U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) field team consisted of Don Dragoo, Chukchi Sea Unit Biologist, Greg Thomson, Biological Technician (both 21 y - 11 ust), and Marc Romano, Bering Sea Unit Biologist (24 y 4 ust). Data Collection and Analyses: The methods used to collect and analyze seabird-related data followed the procedures described in Roseneau et al. (2000) and AMNWR (2017). Adult murres (species combined) were counted from land on previously established plots (Land Plots A, B, 1-3, and 8) on First Beach (Figure 2). Land Plots 4, 5, 6, and 7 were not counted in 2017 due to access limitations caused by excessive beach erosion. A Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) survey was conducted on 1 ust 2017 using standard COASST protocols. A NOAA Marine Debris Shoreline Survey was conducted on 31 y 2017 using standard NOAA protocols. INTERESTING OBSERVATIONS The day we arrived at Cape Lisburne we learned that a large polar bear was resting on a hill near the western end of the runway. It was seen swimming ashore on 21 y and promptly lay down, apparently exhausted from a long swim. This is where a lot of activity was currently underway by Orion (quarry and seawall contractor), and their bear guards monitored the animal continuously until it left the beach and swam out to sea at 0135 hours on 22 y. We saw what we assumed was the same bear again near the Arch on First Beach, as well as on a ridge above Dave s Rock on Kittiwake beach. Walruses were seen in greater numbers and earlier in the season than has been the case in recent years. 2

5 QUARRY OPERATIONS Blasting for rock first occurred on the Refuge in 1987, when the contractor unknowingly crossed the Air Force-Refuge boundary in search of suitable rock. Since then, rock for use in the runway seawall has been intermittently quarried on the Refuge, most recently in the 1990s. Work on rebuilding the seawall and adjacent runway began again in 2016 and continued this summer. Orion Marine Group, Inc. has the contract and began mining rock from the quarry located on Refuge lands (see photograph below), at the eastern end of First Beach. They also began the task of rebuilding the seawall that protects the runway. We did not observe any disturbance to the birds on the nearby colony that could be attributed to activity at the quarry. Blasting operations occurred at night and could sometimes be heard at the crew quarters, but appeared to not disturb the nesting birds. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to thank Sandi Smith and all of the other ARCTEC Alaska personnel at the Cape Lisburne LRRS, as well as the Pacific Air Forces and the 611 th ASUS/LGA and CES/CEVP squadrons. We also would like to express our gratitude to the entire Orion Marine crew for their assistance and patience. We 3

6 could not have conducted our work without their support. We particularly enjoyed the camaraderie and fine food provided by the ARCTEC staff during our stay. We also would like to thank Susan Georgette, David Zabriskie, and Brittany Sweeney at the Selawik National Wildlife Refuge for graciously providing logistical support and bunkhouse space in Kotzebue. Finally, we would like to express our gratitude to the staff of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge for their continued help and support. Cover photo was taken by Greg Thomson. REFERENCES Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Standardized protocols for annual seabird monitoring camps at Aiktak, Buldir, Chowiet, St. George, St. Lazaria, and St. Paul islands, Cape Lisburne, and select intermittent sites in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge in U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. Rep., AMNWR 2017/07. Homer, Alaska. Byrd, G. V Results of the 1986 seabird monitoring program at Cape Lisburne, Alaska. U. S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. Report AMNWR 86/04. Homer, Alaska. Denlinger, L. M., D. G. Roseneau, A. L. Sowls, and A. Springer Murre and kittiwake monitoring and effects of blasting and aircraft activities on seabirds at Cape Lisburne, Alaska Chap. 3: in Irons, D. B (ed). Monitoring of populations and productivity of seabirds at Cape Thompson and Little Diomede, Alaska, Minerals Mgmt. Serv., OCS Study MMS Dragoo, D. E., D. G. Roseneau, and J. C. Schneeweis Biological monitoring at Cape Lisburne, Alaska in U. S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. Report AMNWR 2010/13. Homer, Alaska. Dragoo, D. E., J. C. Schneeweis, and D. W. Kuehn Biological monitoring at Cape Lisburne, Alaska in U. S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. Report AMNWR 2011/13. Homer, Alaska. Dragoo, D. E., A. B. Kettle, and D. E. Bolin Biological monitoring at Cape Lisburne, Alaska in U. S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. Report AMNWR 2012/06. Homer, Alaska. Dragoo, D. E., G. Thomson, and H. M. Renner Biological monitoring at Cape Lisburne, Alaska in U. S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. Report AMNWR 2013/07. Homer, Alaska. Dragoo, D. E., and D. T. Balland Biological monitoring at Cape Lisburne, Alaska in U. S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. Report AMNWR 2014/09. Homer, Alaska. Dragoo, D. E. and S. M. Ebbert Biological monitoring at Cape Lisburne, Alaska in U. S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. Report AMNWR 2016/08. Homer, Alaska. Dragoo, D. E., H. M. Renner, and R. S. A. Kaler Breeding status and population trends of seabirds in Alaska, U. S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. Report AMNWR 2017/06. Homer, Alaska. Hultén, E Flora of Alaska and neighboring territories, A manual of vascular plants. Stanford University Press. Stanford, California. Murphy, E. C., M. I. Springer, D. G. Roseneau, and A. M. Springer Monitoring population numbers and productivity of colonial seabirds. U. S. Dept. Comm., NOAA OCSEAP, Ann. Report, Vol. 1: Roseneau, D. G., A. M. Springer, E. C. Murphy, and M. I. Springer Population and trophics studies of seabirds in the northern Bering and eastern Chukchi seas, U. S. Dept. Comm., NOAA OCSEAP, Final Report, Vol. 30: Roseneau, D. G., A. L. Sowls, and A. M. Springer Murre and kittiwake censuses and effects of blasting and aircraft activities on seabirds at Cape Lisburne, Alaska U. S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. Report AMNWR 92/02. Homer, Alaska. Roseneau, D. G., M. F. Chance, P. F. Chance, and G. V. Byrd Monitoring seabird populations in areas of oil and gas development on the Alaskan continental shelf: Cape Lisburne and Cape Thompson seabird studies, Final report by the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, Homer, Alaska to the U. S. Geological Survey Biological Resources Division, Western Regional 4

7 Office, Seattle WA (USGS Study USGS/BRD/CR and OCS Study ). U. S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. Report AMNWR 00/09. Homer, Alaska. Roseneau, D. G Monitoring murres and kittiwakes at Cape Lisburne, Alaska, AMNWR monitoring poster prepared 23 February 2010, AMNWR, Homer, Alaska. Springer, A. M., and D. G. Roseneau Ecological studies of colonial seabirds at Cape Thompson and Cape Lisburne, Alaska. U. S. Dept. Comm., NOAA OCSEAP, Ann. Report, Vol. 2: Springer, A. M., and D. G. Roseneau Food habits of murres and kittiwakes at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during late y-early ust Unpubl. report by FALCO, Fairbanks, Alaska for the U. S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. Report AMNWR. Homer, Alaska. Springer, A. M., D. G. Roseneau, and M. Johnson Ecological studies of colonial seabirds at Cape Thompson and Cape Lisburne, Alaska. U. S. Dept. Comm., NOAA OCSEAP, Ann. Report, Vol. 2: Springer, A. M., D. G. Roseneau, E. C. Murphy, and M. I. Springer Environmental controls of marine food webs: food habits of seabirds in the eastern Chukchi Sea. Can, J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 41: Springer, A. M., E. C. Murphy, B. A. Cooper, V. Byrd, and D. G. Roseneau. 1985a. Food habits of seabirds at Bluff and Cape Lisburne. U. S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. Report AMNWR 85/16. Homer, Alaska. Springer, A. M., E. C. Murphy, D. G. Roseneau, and M. I. Springer. 1985b. Population status, reproductive ecology and trophic relationships of seabirds in northwestern Alaska. U. S. Dept. Comm., NOAA OCSEAP, Final Report, Vol. 30: Springer, A. M., E. C. Murphy, D. G. Roseneau, and M. I. Springer. 1985c. Population and trophics studies of seabirds in the northern Bering and eastern Chukchi seas, U. S. Dept. Comm., NOAA OCSEAP, Final Report, Vol. 30: Springer, A. M., D. G. Roseneau, B. A. Cooper, S. Cooper, P. D. Martin, A. D. McGuire, E. C. Murphy, and G. van Vliet. 1985d. Population and trophics studies of seabirds in the northern Bering and eastern Chukchi seas, U. S. Dept. Comm., NOAA OCSEAP, Final Report, Vol. 30:

8 Point Hope Figure 1. Map of northwestern Alaska showing the location of the Ann Stevens-Cape Lisburne subunit study area of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge (red arrow). 6

9 C h u k c h i Cape Lisburne CP S e a Grizzly Bear Beach CP Kittiwake Beach Dave's Rock Tiny Beach CP Arch Rock First Beach CP (Land Plots 1-8 and A/B) N km 0 1 Quarry AMNWR/USAF Boundary Runway CP Cape Lisburne Air Force Base (LRRS) CP CP 1-10 Figure 2. Map of seabird monitoring plots and quarry at Cape Lisburne, Alaska. 7

10 FIGURES AND TABLES 8

11 5000 LP 1-7 LP Mean number of birds Year Figure 3. Mean numbers of murres (common and thick-billed murres combined) counted on Land Plots 1-7 (solid line) and Land Plots (dashed line) at Cape Lisburne, Alaska. Error bars represent one standard deviation. No counts were conducted in , 1994, or 2015; data are excluded for Land Plots in 1987 and Land Plots 1-7 in 2012, 2014, and because not all plots were counted. 9

12 Table 1. Numbers of murres (common and thick-billed murres combined) counted on Land Plots 1-7 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska. No counts were conducted in , 1994, or 2015; data are excluded in 2012, 2014, and because not all plots were counted a, b. Replicate Mean n c SD d First count Last count a Land Plots 6 and 7 were not counted in 2012 due to access limitations caused by excessive beach erosion. b Land Plots 4, 5, 6, and 7 were not counted in 2014 or 2017, and were counted only once in 2016, due to access limitations caused by excessive beach erosion. c n = number of counts d SD = standard deviation

13 Table 2. Numbers of murres (common and thick-billed murres combined) counted on Land Plots at Cape Lisburne, Alaska. No counts were conducted in , 1994, or 2015; data are excluded in 1987 because not all plots were counted. Replicate Mean n a SD b First count Last count

14 Table 2 (continued). Numbers of murres (common and thick-billed murres combined) counted on Land Plots at Cape Lisburne, Alaska. No counts were conducted in , 1994, or 2015; data are excluded in 1987 because not all plots were counted. Replicate Mean n a SD b First count Last count a n = number of counts b SD = standard deviation

15 Table 3. Numbers a of murres (common and thick-billed murres combined) counted on land-based index plots at Cape Lisburne, Alaska in 2017 (n=6 counts). Land Plots 4, 5, 6, and 7 were not counted in 2017 due to access limitations caused by excessive beach erosion. Plot Date LP LP LP LP4 NC b NC NC NC NC NC LP5 NC NC NC NC NC NC LP6 NC NC NC NC NC NC LP7 NC NC NC NC NC NC LP LPA c LPB c a Birds were counted by ones from land. b NC = Plot not counted c Plot LPA, previously called 1a, was created in 1999 and Plot LPB was created in 2010, when murres were first observed occupying them. 13

16 Number of murres Year Figure 4. Numbers of murres (common and thick-billed murres combined) counted on boat-based index plots (plots 11, 12, 25, 26, 30, 32, 65, 66, 70 and 72) at Cape Lisburne, Alaska. No counts were conducted in years not shown. 14

17 Table 4. Numbers of murres (common and thick-billed murres combined) counted on boat-based index plots (plots 11, 12, 25, 26, 30, 32, 65, 66, 70, 72, 73, and 74) at Cape Lisburne, Alaska. No counts were conducted in years not listed; plots 73 and 74 were counted only in 1976, 1977, and Plot Total (part) 14,100 15,501 16,123 15,548 16,390 16,613 23,428 22,112 30,413 27,766 33,416 32,785 37,920 42, Total (all) 15,675 17, ,023 Date(s) of count(s) &

18 Total eggs+chicks/total nests Year Figure 5. Reproductive performance of black-legged kittiwakes at Cape Lisburne, Alaska. Numbers above columns indicate total number of nests sampled each year. No data were collected in 1982, , 1994, or

19 Table 5. Reproductive performance of black-legged kittiwakes at Cape Lisburne, Alaska. No data were collected in 1982, , 1994, or Year Total nests Total eggs+chicks Productivity a a Total eggs+chicks/total nests. 17

20 LP 1-7 LP Mean number of birds (LP 1-7) Mean number of birds (LP 1-3+8) Year 0 Figure 6. Mean numbers of black-legged kittiwakes counted on Land Plots 1-7 (solid line) and Land Plots (dashed line) at Cape Lisburne, Alaska. Note the different axis scales for the two data sets. Error bars represent one standard deviation. No counts were conducted in , 1994, or ; data are excluded for Land Plots in 1987 and Land Plots 1-7 in 2012, 2014, and 2017 because not all plots were counted. 18

21 Table 6. Numbers of black-legged kittiwakes counted on Land Plots 1-7 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska. No counts were conducted in , 1994, or ; data are excluded in 2012, 2014, and 2017 because not all plots were counted a, b. Replicate Mean n c SD d First count Last count a Land Plots 6 and 7 were not counted in 2012 due to access limitations caused by excessive beach erosion. b Land Plots 4, 5, 6, and 7 were not counted in 2014 or 2017 due to access limitations caused by excessive beach erosion. c n = number of counts. d SD = standard deviation y 13 19

22 Table 7. Numbers of black-legged kittiwakes counted on Land Plots at Cape Lisburne, Alaska. No counts were conducted in , 1994, or ; data are excluded in 1987 because not all plots were counted. Replicate Mean n a SD b First count Last count

23 Table 7 (continued). Numbers of black-legged kittiwakes counted on Land Plots at Cape Lisburne, Alaska. No counts were conducted in , 1994, or ; data are excluded in 1987 because not all plots were counted. Replicate Mean n a SD b First count Last count a n = number of counts b SD = standard deviation. 21

24 Table 8. Numbers a of black-legged kittiwakes counted on land-based index plots at Cape Lisburne, Alaska in 2017 (n=6 counts). Land Plots 4, 5, 6, and 7 were not counted in 2017 due to access limitations caused by excessive beach erosion. Plot Date LP LP LP LP4 NC b NC NC NC NC NC LP5 NC NC NC NC NC NC LP6 NC NC NC NC NC NC LP7 NC NC NC NC NC NC LP LPA c LPB c a Birds were counted by ones from land. b NC = Plot not counted c Plot LPA, previously called 1a, was created in 1999 and Plot LPB was created in 2010, when murres were first observed occupying them. 22

25 LP 1-7 LP Maximum number of nests (LP 1-7) Maximum number of nests (LP 1-3+8) Year 0 Figure 7. Maximum numbers of black-legged kittiwake nests counted on Land Plots 1-7 (solid line) and Land Plots (dashed line) at Cape Lisburne, Alaska. Note the different axis scales for the two data sets. No counts were conducted in , 1994, or ; data are excluded for Land Plots 1-7 in 2012, 2014, and 2017 because not all plots were counted. 23

26 Table 9. Numbers of black-legged kittiwake nests counted on Land Plots 1-7 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska. No counts were conducted in , 1994, or ; data are excluded in 2012, 2014, and 2017 because not all plots were counted a, b. Replicate Mean Max. c n d SD e First count Last count N/A N/A 12 N/A a Land Plots 6 and 7 were not counted in 2012 due to access limitations caused by excessive beach erosion. b Land Plots 4, 5, 6, and 7 were not counted in 2014 or 2017 due to access limitations caused by excessive beach erosion. c Max. = Maximum nest count, used for comparisons. d n = number of counts. e SD = standard deviation. 24

27 Table 10. Numbers of black-legged kittiwake nests counted on Land Plots at Cape Lisburne, Alaska. No counts were conducted in , 1994, or Replicate Mean Max. a n b SD c First count Last count N/A N/A 12 N/A

28 Table 10 (continued). Numbers of black-legged kittiwake nests counted on Land Plots at Cape Lisburne, Alaska. No counts were conducted in , 1994, or Replicate Mean Max. a n b SD c First count Last count a Max. = Maximum nest count, used for comparisons. b n = number of counts. c SD = standard deviation. 26

29 Table 11. Counts a of black-legged kittiwake nests on land-based index plots at Cape Lisburne, Alaska in 2017 (n=3 counts). Land Plots 4, 5, 6, and 7 were not counted in 2017 due to access limitations caused by excessive beach erosion. Plot Date LP LP LP LP4 NC b NC NC LP5 NC NC NC LP6 NC NC NC LP7 NC NC NC LP LPA c LPB c a Nests were counted by ones from land. b NC = Plot not counted c Plot LPA, previously called 1a, was created in 1999 and Plot LPB was created in 2010, when murres were first observed occupying them. 27

30 Number of kittiwakes Year Figure 8. Numbers of black-legged kittiwakes counted on boat-based index plots (plots 11, 12, 25, 26, 30, 32, 65, 66, 70 and 72) at Cape Lisburne, Alaska. No counts were conducted in years not shown. 28

31 Table 12. Counts of black-legged kittiwakes on boat-based index plots (plots 11, 12, 25, 26, 30, 32, 65, 66, 70, 72, 73, and 74) at Cape Lisburne, Alaska. No counts were conducted in years not listed; plot 73 was counted only in 1977 and 2012, and plot 74 was counted only in Plot Total (part) Total (all) Date(s) of count(s) & 2 21 &

32 Table 13. Mean numbers of individuals found and encounter rates during COASST surveys at Cape Lisburne, Alaska. The surveys were conducted on Cape Lisburne Beach, located between the mouths of Fossil Creek (68º N, 166º W, WGS 84) and Selin Creek (68º N, 166º W, WGS 84). Mean number of individuals comprises the average number of new birds found per survey and does not include birds still present from previous surveys and reencountered. Encounter rate is defined as the number of all birds (including new individuals and re-encountered birds) found per kilometer of beach surveyed (1.8 km) divided by the number of surveys. No surveys were conducted in Species Mean # indiv a Encounter rate Mean # indiv. Encounter rate Mean # indiv. Encounter rate Mean # indiv. Encounter rate Mean # indiv. Encounter rate Common eider Thick-billed murre Unidentified murre Black-legged kittiwake Glaucous gull Sooty shearwater Common raven All species n b First survey Last survey a No bird carcasses were encountered during the 2017 COASST survey. b n = Number of surveys. 30

33 Annotated list of wildlife observed at Cape Lisburne, Alaska in 2017 (21 y-11 ust). BIRDS Greater white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons). One bird was seen at 6-mile Beach on 27 y. At least 7 birds were observed at 8-mile Lake on 2 ust. Canada goose (Branta canadensis). Approximately 300 were seen on 6-mile Lake on 26 and 27 y. Approximately 40 molting birds were seen between 6- and 8-mile beaches. At least 25 were observed on the shore of 8-mile Lake. Approximately 85 were seen at 6-mile Lake on 2 ust. Spectacled eider (Somateria fischeri). A male in eclipse plumage was seen on First Beach below the seabird colony on 28 y. A lone male was observed on the beach adjacent to our land plots on 2 ust. King eider (Somateria spectabilis). A male and female were seen in nearshore waters near 6-mile Lake on 27 y. Common eider (Somateria mollissima). This species was observed daily. At least one bird in eclipse plumage was seen offshore of the facility on 26 y. Two pairs, including a male in breeding plumage, were seen in nearshore waters adjacent to the beach below the Igrarok Hills on 27 y. A male and female flew from the beach below our First Beach land plots on 30 y. Hundreds of common eiders were seen offshore, flying to the west, throughout the day on 6 ust; including a flock of more than 200 near the cape. Approximately 8 to 10 birds were observed on shore at the Arch on First Beach on 6 ust. Surf scoter (Melanitta perspicillata). One was seen on the beach below our First Beach land plots, before swimming out to sea, on 30 y. Long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis). One bird was seen on 6-mile Lake on 26 y. Two birds were observed near shore off the beach below the Igrarok Hills on 2 ust. Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola). A lone female was seen on 6-mile Lake on 26 y. Willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus). One bird was spotted along Fossil Creek on 27 y. Semipalmated plover (Charadrius semipalmatus). Two adults and one fledgling were seen at the mouth of Selin Creek on 25 y. An adult and 3 fledglings were observed on the beach near Selin Creek on 1 ust. Three plovers were seen at 6-mile Lake on 2 ust. Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus). One bird was seen on the beach near Fossil Creek on 27 y. Dunlin (Calidris alpina). At least 3 birds were observed with a large flock of western sandpipers at 8-mile Lake on 2 ust. Western sandpiper (Calidris mauri). Hundreds, in flocks of 25 to 50, were seen in the wrack line of the beach adjacent to 6-mile Lake on 27 y. Similar numbers were observed there on 2 ust. 31

34 Short-billed dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus). One bird was seen at 8-mile Lake on 2 ust. Red-necked phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus). At least 4 young-of-the-year birds were seen swimming in an eddy of Fossil Creek on 26 y. One bird was observed a couple meters from shore near the Arch on First Beach on 6 ust. Pomarine jaeger (Stercorarius pomarinus). Two birds, a light phase and a dark phase, were seen on the ground near Fossil Creek on 26 y. Parasitic jaeger (Stercorarius parasiticus). At least one bird was seen at 8-mile Lake on 27 y. Common murre (Uria aalge). Seen daily at the large Cape Lisburne breeding colony and adjacent nearshore waters. Thick-billed murre (Uria lomvia). Seen daily at the large Cape Lisburne breeding colony and adjacent nearshore waters. Black guillemot (Cepphus grylle). One guillemot was seen from the boat, and another was observed swimming nearshore from the beach below the Igrarok Hills, on 27 y. Two birds were seen just off the beach at the Arch on First Beach on 30 y. A lone bird was observed nearshore near the Arch on 2 and 6 ust. Parakeet auklet (Aethia psittacula). Two were seen from the boat off of Cape Lisburne on 27 y. Several more were observed on 5 ust just offshore of the First Beach land plots. Horned puffin (Fratercula corniculata). Seen daily at First Beach land plots and in nearshore waters. Tufted puffin (Fratercula cirrhata). Seen daily in singles and small numbers at First Beach land plots and in nearshore waters. Black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla). Seen daily at the large Cape Lisburne breeding colony and adjacent nearshore waters. Feeding melees were observed frequently in Kittiwakes also frequented the fresh- and brackish-water ponds in the area. Slaty-backed gull (Larus schistisagus). One bird was observed among a flock of glaucous-winged gulls on the beach near Fossil Creek on 30 y. Glaucous-winged gull (Larus glaucescens). This species was not as numerous as the glaucous gull, but was often observed in low numbers. One or two were regularly seen on the First Beach land plots. Glaucous gull (Larus hyperboreus). Adults and immatures were seen daily, usually in small numbers (tens). A few chicks were produced in nests on or near the First Beach land plots in Gulls occasionally took part in nearshore feeding melees and probably took murre eggs from the cliffs (as evidenced by the shells of depredated murre eggs we found on the beach below the plots). Gulls also frequented the fresh- and brackish-water ponds in the area. Flocks of 30 to 50 were routinely seen on the beach east of the runway. 32

35 Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea). A breeding colony of at least 20 adults was observed on the beach at 6- mile Lake on 26 and 27 y. At least 3 large downy chicks were seen. Two large chicks and 7 adults were observed at the colony site on 2 ust. Pacific loon (Gavia pacifica). One bird was seen flying over 8-mile Lake on 2 ust. Loon sp. (Gavia sp.). Three birds were observed resting on the beach below the Igrarok Hills on 27 y, before flying out to sea. About a half dozen unidentified loons were seen at 8-mile Lake on 2 ust. Sooty shearwater (Ardenna grisea). A carcass was found on the beach below the Igrarok Hills on 26 y. On 3 ust a single bird was seen just offshore of the First Beach land plots. Pelagic cormorant (Phalacrocorax pelagicus). Seen daily at the First Beach land plots and in nearshore waters. Cormorants sometimes participated in nearshore feeding melees along with kittiwakes, murres, and puffins. Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). One bird was seen flying low along the Igrarok Hills on 26 y. Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus). A bird was observed feeding on a freshly killed black-legged kittiwake near our land plots at First Beach. There was a pair, and probably a nest in the area. Common raven (Corvus corax). Two birds were seen near the site pond on 27 y, 30 y, and 2 ust. Northern wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe). At least 3 non-breeding females were observed on the fringes of the quarry on 8 ust. Eastern yellow wagtail (Motacilla tschutschensis). At least two birds of this species were seen at the First Beach land plots on 2, 3, 4, and 6 ust. Some of the sightings occurred just as we entered the area and set up to do plot work. They would land a few meters from us and just sit for a couple of minutes. American pipit (Anthus rubescens). A single bird was seen along Selin Creek on 1 ust. A pipit also was observed near the Minister s grave on 8 ust. Lapland longspur (Calcarius lapponicus). Several birds were seen along Fossil Creek on 30 y. Snow bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis). This species was routinely seen at the Arch on First Beach and the road to Top Camp. Two birds were observed below Igrarok Hills on 26 and 27 y. Eight to 10 birds, including two adult breeding males, were seen flying near the Arch and adjacent cliffs on 3 ust. Savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis). This species was routinely seen around the facility, at Fossil Creek, and at 6-mile Lake. MAMMALS North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum). One was seen at Fossil Creek on 27 y. 33

36 Alaska marmot (Marmota broweri). One was seen near the road to Top Camp on 26 y. Arctic ground squirrel (Urocitellus parryii). Seen frequently in ones and twos at the facility, on the roads and beaches, and at Top Camp. Gray wolf (Canus lupus). Wolf tracks were seen at 6-mile Beach on 27 y. Red fox (Vulpes vulpes). One animal was seen on the beach near the runway on 27 y. Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus). A walrus carcass was found on the beach below the Igrarok Hills on 26 y. No wounds were evident. Six walrus somehow crammed themselves onto a small nearshore rock below Cape Lisburne, seen from the boat on 27 y. A group of three walrus were observed swimming about 200 meters offshore near Fossil Creek on 1 ust. At least 11 were seen swimming offshore between the camp and 6-mile Lake on 2 ust. A small group was seen offshore of First Beach on 4 ust. At least 11 animals were observed at sea below the cliffs off the cape on 6 ust. Grizzly bear (Ursus arctos). A large individual was seen at the east end of the beach below the Igrarok Hills on 26 y. We also saw a bear on the beach just east of 6-mile Lake on ust 2. One animal was seen on the beach below the quarry on 4 ust. Polar bear (Ursus maritimus). The day we arrived at Cape Lisburne we learned that a large polar bear was resting on a hill near the western end of the runway. It was seen swimming ashore on 21 y and promptly lay down, apparently exhausted from a long swim. This is where a lot of activity was currently underway by Orion (quarry and seawall contractor), and their bear guards monitored the animal continuously until it left the beach and swam out to sea at 0135 hours on 22 y. We saw what we assumed was the same bear again near the Arch on First Beach on 25 y, as well as on a ridge above Dave s Rock on Kittiwake beach on 27 y. Caribou (Rangifer tarandus). Two were seen walking through the compound on 21 y. Three individuals were observed near 6-mile Lake on 26 y. We saw 6 to 8 animals at 8-mile Beach on 27 y. 34

37 Table 14. Observations of birds and mammals at Cape Lisburne, Alaska. Dashes indicate species not recorded that year but may not necessarily indicate absence from the area during the time period (e.g., species not observed although present, or species not recorded although observed). Data are from annotated lists in annual refuge monitoring reports. No data were collected in 2015; data may have been recorded prior to 2010 but have not yet been summarized from historic sources. Species Greater white-fronted goose X X Snow goose X - Canada goose - X X X X X X Northern pintail X X X X X X - Canvasback X - Steller s eider X X - Spectacled eider X X - X - X X King eider X X - X - X X Common eider X X X X X X X Harlequin duck X X X - Surf scoter X X X White-winged scoter X - X - Long-tailed duck X X X X X X X Bufflehead X Red-breasted merganser X - - Willow ptarmigan X Sandhill Crane X X - Semipalmated plover X X - X X X X Whimbrel X Dunlin X - X X Western sandpiper X X X X X X X Short-billed dowitcher X Wilson s snipe X - Wandering tattler - X Red-necked phalarope X X - X - X X Pomarine jaeger - - X X - - X Parasitic jaeger X X X X X X X Long-tailed jaeger X - X X - X - Common murre X X X X X X X Thick-billed murre X X X X X X X Black guillemot X X X X X X X Parakeet auklet - - X X Horned puffin X X X X X X X 35

38 Table 14 (continued). Observations of birds and mammals at Cape Lisburne, Alaska. Dashes indicate species not recorded that year but may not necessarily indicate absence from the area during the time period (e.g., species not observed although present, or species not recorded although observed). Data are from annotated lists in annual refuge monitoring reports. No data were collected in 2015; data may have been recorded prior to 2010 but have not yet been summarized from historic sources. Species Tufted puffin X X X X X X X Black-legged kittiwake X X X X X X X Ross s gull X Herring gull X Slaty-backed gull X Glaucous-winged gull X Glaucous gull X X X X X X X Arctic tern X X X - - X X Red-throated loon X X - X Pacific loon X Yellow-billed loon X Short-tailed shearwater X Sooty shearwater X Pelagic cormorant X X X X X X X Northern harrier - - X Golden eagle X X - X X X X Snowy owl X - - X Peregrine falcon X X X X X - X Gray jay - X Common raven X X X X X X X Horned lark X Cliff swallow X Northern wheatear X X X X - X X Eastern yellow wagtail X X White wagtail X American pipit - X - X X X X Redpoll sp X Lapland longspur X X X X X X X Snow bunting X X X X X X X American tree sparrow X Savannah sparrow X - - X - X X White-crowned sparrow X - X - Red-winged blackbird X

39 Table 14 (continued). Observations of birds and mammals at Cape Lisburne, Alaska. Dashes indicate species not recorded that year but may not necessarily indicate absence from the area during the time period (e.g., species not observed although present, or species not recorded although observed). Data are from annotated lists in annual refuge monitoring reports. No data were collected in 2015; data may have been recorded prior to 2010 but have not yet been summarized from historic sources. Species North American porcupine X Alaska marmot X X X X X X X Arctic ground squirrel X X X X X X X Gray wolf - - X X a - X a X a Red fox - X X X X X X Weasel spp X - Pacific walrus X X X X - - X Spotted (largha) seal X X X Ringed seal X Grizzly bear X X X X X X X Polar bear X - - X Musk ox - X X Dall's sheep X X X Caribou X X X - X X X Bowhead whale X Minke whale X Gray whale - X X X Beluga whale X Observation dates a Tracks only. 37

40 Table 15. Plants identified by Greg Thomson at Cape Lisburne, Alaska in 2013 (from Hultén 1968). Family Scientific name Common name Gramineae Elymus arenarius subsp. mollis Lyme grass Salicaceae Salix reticulata subsp. reticulata Netted willow Polygonaceae Rumex arcticus Sorrel, Dock Polygonaceae Polygonum bistorta subsp. plumosum Meadow bistort Polygonaceae Polygonum viviparum Alpine bistort Caryophyllaceae Stellaria crassifolia Chickweed Caryophyllaceae Stellaria laeta Chickweed Caryophyllaceae Stellaria longipes Chickweed Caryophyllaceae Cerastium Beeringianum var. grandiflorum Mouse-eared chickweed Caryophyllaceae Minuartia arctica Arctic sandwort Caryophyllaceae Honckenya peploides subsp. peploides Seabeach sandwort Ranunculaceae Delphinium brachycentrum Larkspur Ranunculaceae Aconitum delphinifolium subsp. delphinifolium Big monkshood Ranunculaceae Aconitum delphinifolium subsp. paradoxum Little monkshood Papaveraceae Papaver Walpolei Walpole s poppy Papaveraceae Papaver Hultenii Poppy Papaveraceae Papaver lapponicum subsp. occidentale Lapland poppy Brassicaceae Cochlearia officinalis subsp. arctica Scurvy grass Brassicaceae Draba borealis Boreal draba Saxifragaceae Saxifraga hirculus Bog saxifrage Saxifragaceae Saxifraga bronchialis subsp. Funstonii Spotted saxifrage Saxifragaceae Saxifraga cernua Bulblet saxifrage Saxifragaceae Saxifraga davurica subsp. grandipetala Saxifrage Rosaceae Potentilla villosa Cinquefoil Rosaceae Potentilla Vahliana Cinquefoil Onagraceae Epilobium latifolium River beauty Gentianaceae Gentiana propinqua subsp. arctophila Gentian Polemoniaceae Polemonium acutiflorum Tall Jacob's ladder Boraginaceae Myosotis alpestris subsp. asiatica Forget-me-not Boraginaceae Mertensia maritima subsp. maritima Beach bluebells Scrophulariaceae Castilleja caudata Indian paintbrush Scrophulariaceae Castilleja elegans Indian paintbrush Valerianaceae Valeriana capitata Capitate valerian Asteraceae Artemesia titesii Northern wormwood Asteraceae Artemesia Tilesii subsp. elatior Tilesius wormwood Asteraceae Petasites frigidus Sweet coltsfoot Asteraceae Senecio atropurpureus subsp. atropurpureus Ragwort/Groundsel Asteraceae Senecio pseudo-arnica Ragwort/Groundsel 38